Premium shielded riser-rated 2-conductor security alarm cable engineered for reliable installations requiring EMI protection and fire safety compliance. This USA-made cable features two 20-gauge stranded bare copper conductors with 7 strands each, protected by aluminum foil shielding and housed in a CMR-rated gray jacket. The optimal balance between standard 22 AWG and heavy-duty 18 AWG, 20 AWG delivers enhanced performance for extended cable runs at a competitive price point. Designed for security systems, intercoms, audio applications, and power-limited controls where shielding is essential.

Key Features

• 20 AWG 2-Conductor Design - Mid-range wire gauge offering enhanced performance over 22 AWG
• Aluminum Foil Shielding - Superior protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI/RFI)
• 7-Strand Bare Copper Conductors - Excellent flexibility and reliable signal transmission
• CMR/CL3R Riser Rated - Approved for vertical shaft and in-wall installations
• Low-Smoke PVC Construction - Enhanced fire safety with reduced smoke emission
• Sequential Footage Marking - Precise measurement for accurate installation planning
• ETL Listed & RoHS Compliant - Meets strict safety and environmental standards
• Gray PVC Jacket - Professional appearance for visible installations
• Made in USA - Premium domestic manufacturing quality

Ideal Applications

Perfect for shielded riser installations in commercial and residential buildings:

• Single-Zone Security & Alarm Systems
• Commercial Access Control Systems
• Professional Intercom Systems
• Audio Distribution Systems
• Power-Limited Control Circuits
• Building Automation in EMI Environments
• Mid-Range Cable Run Applications

Technical Specifications

• Conductor Material: Stranded Bare Copper
• Wire Gauge: 20 AWG
• Number of Conductors: 2
• Strands per Conductor: 7
• Inner Conductor Diameter: 1.2mm
• Conductor Insulation: PVC
• Shielding: Aluminum Foil (100% Coverage)
• Cable Diameter (Nominal OD): 3.61mm
• Jacket Thickness: 0.38mm
• Jacket Material: Low-Smoke PVC
• Jacket Color: Gray

Electrical Performance

• Maximum Temperature: 75°C (167°F)
• Voltage Rating: 300V
• Center Resistance: 21.20 Ω/km

Certifications & Compliance

• Riser Rating: CMR (Communications Riser)

• Additional Ratings: CL3R, FPLR

• Listings: ETL Listed

• Environmental: RoHS Compliant

• NEC Article Compliance:

  • Articles 760 (FPLR - Fire Alarm)
  • Article 800 (CMR - Communications)
  • Articles 725 (CL3R, CL2R - Control Circuits)

Package Details

• Length: 1000 feet per spool
• Country of Origin: Made in USA

Why Choose Shielded 20/2 Riser Cable?

✓ Sweet Spot Performance - Better than 22 AWG, more economical than 18 AWG
✓ EMI/RFI Protection - Aluminum foil shielding prevents interference and false alarms
✓ Extended Cable Runs - Approximately 20% longer runs than 22 AWG
✓ Fire Code Compliant - CMR riser rating for vertical installations
✓ Cost-Effective Solution - Premium performance without heavy-duty price
✓ Professional Reliability - Shielding eliminates interference-related issues
✓ Versatile Use - Single cable for security, intercom, and control applications

Riser Installation Requirements

Use CMR Riser Cable When:

• Installing vertically between floors
• Running through walls and vertical shafts
• Non-plenum spaces in commercial buildings
• Residential installations with multiple floors
• Building codes require fire-rated cable (but not plenum)

Note: Riser (CMR) cable is suitable for most commercial and residential applications except air-handling plenum spaces. For plenum spaces, use CMP-rated cable instead.

Common Use Cases

• Commercial Office Buildings: Mid-range security installations with moderate cable runs
• Retail Stores: Point-of-sale security with EMI protection from electronic equipment
• Small Data Centers: Server room security near networking equipment
• Professional Offices: Attorney, medical, or accounting offices with security needs
• Educational Facilities: Classroom or office security with moderate interference
• Light Industrial: Security systems in facilities with moderate electrical noise
• Multi-Story Buildings: Vertical riser installations between 2-5 floors
• Warehouse Security: Mid-range perimeter protection with shielding
• Restaurant/Hospitality: Security and access control with kitchen equipment nearby
• Small Commercial Complexes: Multi-tenant buildings with shared security

EMI Sources and Solutions

Common Sources of Electromagnetic Interference:

• Fluorescent lighting and electronic ballasts
• HVAC motors and variable frequency drives
• Computer equipment and servers
• Copy machines and office equipment
• Point-of-sale terminals and card readers
• Wi-Fi routers and wireless equipment
• Power transformers and UPS systems

How EMI Affects Unshielded Security Cables:

• False alarms from sensor circuits
• Intermittent signal issues
• Unreliable communication
• Random system malfunctions
• Increased service calls

Shielding Solution: Aluminum foil shielding intercepts electromagnetic waves before they induce currents in the signal conductors, preventing interference-related problems and ensuring reliable system operation.

Technical Advantages Summary

• 20 AWG Conductors: Optimal balance of performance and cost
• Aluminum Foil Shield: 100% coverage protects against EMI/RFI
• 7-Strand Construction: Superior flexibility for easier installation
• Riser Rating: CMR approved for vertical installations
• Low-Smoke Jacket: Fire safety compliance for commercial buildings
• Sequential Marking: Precise footage tracking for installation
• ETL Listed: Third-party safety certification ensures quality

Building Code Compliance

This cable meets or exceeds:

• National Electrical Code (NEC) Articles 760, 800, 725
• CMR riser requirements for vertical installations
• CL3R power-limited circuit requirements
• ETL safety certification standards
• RoHS environmental compliance

Before Installation:

• Verify riser rating is adequate for application (not plenum)
• Confirm NEC article compliance for specific use
• Check equipment manufacturer specifications
• Consult with authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)